The Red Sox are only 2.5 games ahead of the A's and 3.5 games ahead of the Tigers for home-field throughout the playoffs.

That is right. Had they won the game last nite, they would be 3.5 game ahead as well if they try to win again tonite, they would either stay at 3.5 to maybe 4.5 with 9 games to go!!

It is alot easier to win games now so they can relax for a bit next week. Dont want to see guys start having a team meeting next week about should they try to go for the homefield advantage or just forget it so they can just rest for the playoff.

That is why Boston rather to keep winning games now to make things easier for them next week!!